29/6/2009Feedback after our Kilwinning An' A' That Carnival
The Kilwinning An' A' That Carnival concluded at the weekend with an array of free live musical and artistic talent on offer to visitors.
Highlights included the likes of Supreme Robbie, The Crowdaddies, Abba Mania, The Huskies, Johnny Cash tribute, Pie Dance, Susan Fraser School of Dance and children's entertainment.
A host of stalls were also on offer in the craft hall and outdoor areas.
Visitor feedback was very positive to this year's venue for the carnival and stall holders were equally happy with the site provision.
Donald Reid, organiser of this year's event said: "I think I was surprised by the low take up of visitors to the carnival, we clearly did something wrong somehow or our dates so close to the holidays is not for us. That said all who attended were full of praise for the venue and the entertainment arrangements. We went big over two days and it's left us counting the pennies, so clearly we won't be in a position to repeat this style of event again."
We are indebted to KA Campus, North Ayrshire Council, Land Engineering, St Andrews Ambulance, all stall holders and acts for their support.
The committee will be regrouping with an AGM set for Monday 29th June at KA Campus in Kilwinning Academy at 7pm. New members, committee members or people who simply want to join in and help through fairtrade, events or fundraising will be very welcome.
-
Pull the plug on it - Carnivals, I'm afraid, appear to be a thing of the past, locally. Numbers have been dwindling for years at the Kilwinning Carnival and the Christmas Lights opening too.
Up the town for the Carnival was really good for a while, then we had the neds spoiling it with gang fights at the shows and drunkenness at the main venue, resulting in a heavy police presence. Prices for the rides are getting steeper - £2 this year for a 5 minute slide for a waen of 2. Can be a costly item for some, that.
I would suggest, as I did a while back, if we ARE going to continue having a Kilwinning Carnival then stage it back at the Public Park. I did agree when Kilwinning Academy was picked that it was a suitable alternative to the Public Park, but when I went to the Saturday event, I had an uncomfortable feeling when having to walk through the playground then through rooms and corridors manned by security people to eventually reach the main attractions. I also felt kind of penned in once there.
The Public Park is a lovely open venue - well, it would be with a bit of tarting up, and I'm sure with better newspaper advertising, etc, we would get better crowds there than this year.
But, finally, I have to say again, the attractions etc at this year's event were excellent, and feel really sorry for everyone who put there heart and soul into it.